doggonegood44 Reviews

Come True (2020)

smart movie

[7/10 · 5 October 2020]

But needed editor to step up in certain places where the story slows down. Performances mostly good. The lead was terrific, others less so.

Adventurous storytelling with a few questionable moments (like the 80's make out scene), but over all very effective.

The Boys (2019– )

just when you think the "superhero era" is over...

[8/10 · 20 August 2019]

Here comes this irreverent, snarky, pull no punches show that's glued my eyeballs to the screen for the past week.

With exception of Karl Urban (who is excellent as always) the cast was new to me. Some of them I wouldn't want to be in a room together with. And after watching episode after episode, this gut sinking feeling has grown stronger. Fantastic.

Now there are minor writing hiccups and lack of attention to direction, but this is a solid show that expands on the evil superhero theme better than anything I have seen to date.

Please don't screw up season 2.

Rocky (1976)

Here's why this gets a 10

[10/10 · 14 August 2019]

This gets a ten because it is impeccably acted.

This gets a ten because the score is astoundingly beautiful.

It gets a ten because Stallone fought to get it made with himself as the lead.

Now I can't say all that much of the sequels, as they are silly in most cases, but the original ROCKY is a masterpiece. Talia Shire. Wow. Burt Young. Wow. And Meredith...c'mon. The guy is legendary in this.

I don't think this would get made today, but it's sure great to watch it decades later.

The Perfection (2018)

Screenwriter made it up as they were filming

[3/10 · 6 June 2019]

At least that's my impression as the story is weak, weak, weak, like someone having what they think is a cool scene and then moving heaven and earth to justify that scene being in the movie.

Well it doesn't work.

And to call it feminist, bah. Female empowerment I'm all for it, but not at the expense of the script. This movie is trash.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

Painfully average

[5/10 · 24 April 2019]

I'm in my 50's, which means I was alive to see the original in grade 6 or so. I was amazed. Still am. I weathered through Jedi--even through the prequels, which truthfully, weren't very good. My faith in Star Wars was satiated with the force awakens, which was well done.

I was a lifer.

The Last Jedi changed that.

And it has nothing to do with being a nerd and not being able to enjoy something that deviates from the norm. This movie was average. Painfully so.

I have no problem with Rose, but what I do have a problem with is a tacked on adventure within an adventure where Finn and she hop around on kangaroos in a series of sequences that have nothing to do with the film.

I only saw this film once. And that may not sound strange, but given that I have seen most of them over 12 times, it stands out as a film I'm not ever keen to revisit.

Halloween (I) (2018)

Depends on what you think of the original...

[3/10 · 18 February 2019]

If you've liked the sequels--their occasional cheesiness, their gaps of logic and continuity, you will love this film. It's made tonnes of money, all but guaranteeing more like it. So if you like this sort of thing, you're in luck.

If you, like me, were looking for a return to the roots, where characters stayed in character, where there was an absence of plot holes and where the direction was stark and clever, then you're going to hate this movie. As I did.

Halloween (I) (2018)

dreadful, absolutely dreadful

[3/10 · 14 December 2018]

I had my hopes high, even though I knew the chances of it being good were slim. Believe me when I say that I WANTED TO LOVE THIS.

Sadly, it's a generic piece of trash with filmmaking that is inept. My first tip off was buying the soundtrack, listening to it and realizing it's a "greatest hits" album. Very little new. I guess that's what people wanted, maybe?

The ONLY thing I found redeemable was Jamie Lee Curtis, who was wonderful.

This film succeeded because of nostalgia pure and simple. It wasn't because it was good, trust me. Inconsistent characters, terrible pacing and directed with an awkward, ham fisted effort. There are LEGIONS of people who will love this, but those hoping to forget the sequels (esp. Rob Zombie) and hope against hope that this may return to its roots will be very let down.

Sam Was Here (II) (2016)

won't be everyone's cup of tea, but...

[6/10 · 29 March 2018]

It kept me watching. Intriguing, Twilight Zone-like story line that requires you to suspend disbelief on occasion.

BUT

It's still more interesting than most films of its kind. Good performance from lead actor and the crazy people he encounters. I loved the score as well.

The ending will leave you retracing what you watched, reviewing it in your head, wondering if you experienced it properly or not. I suspect that was the point.

Rock & Rule (1983)

holds up...

[8/10 · 4 February 2018]

As someone who travelled between the United States and Canada, with my parents, I remember seeing this and...not quite getting it. It wasn't the type of thing you saw on tv at the time...it had a lot of "adult" situations in it, at least for a kid.

but then it stuck in my mind, I caught it again, taping it on vhs, and watched it over and over. great music. great sound overall. the voice casting is really well done.

watching it again is interesting. it holds up,that sort of animation isn't done anymore and I still miss it sometimes. The simplicity of it.

So watch with an open mind and enjoy, if for no other reason, it really stood out at the time, which is probably why it still has a solid fanbase.

Justice League (2017)

sheeple

[8/10 · 15 December 2017]

I find that people, hearing the word that the film is awful, expect it to be awful and it thereby becomes awful in their eyes. Justice League is not awful by any stretch. I have complaints, but to hear it from every blogger with an axe to grind, you'd think it was the worst movie ever.

It's not.

It has a fantastic cast. The story, though not wholy original, more than sufficed. The action sequences are very engaging. And it ends on a note that makes me want more, which I think was the objective, yes?

Now to the less than great. You can most definitely tell there are two director's hands in there. It's not overly difficult to tell who did what, but given their two very different styles, it was a bit like pork chop ice cream sundae. Both good things, but not meant to be consumed together.

31 (2016)

there was one point where I had hope...

[5/10 · 25 April 2017]

It's a small budget, so I give him a bit of a pass on that and for what it's worth, there was a small moment--when the "less" bad guys start to get the jump on the others--where I thought it might be able to pull itself around, but no...

There's a "Running Man" theme to it all that wasn't fully explored. The ending, also, leaves much to be desired. The lighting as well. Disco lights mostly, not a fully formed concept.

I hope he keeps making movies though, just that they're better than this one.

Psycho II (1983)

Don't compare it to the original...

[7/10 · 17 April 2017]

...because it's not a fair comparison. Hitchcock is long gone.

If, however, you judge Psycho II on strictly its own merits, it's pretty good. Or as good as I think a sequel to Psycho could ever be.

Anthony Perkins is a large reason for this. He still has it. Many closed doors and strange passageways etched onto his face. Perkins delivers.

Jerry Goldsmith - the composer....comes up with something COMPLETELY different than Hermann did. And once again, on its own and without judging it or comparing it to the original, it's quite beautiful and sad.

Now I can't say much for the sequels that continued past this one, but Psycho II is a guilty pleasure of mine.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

ridiculous

[5/10 · 20 December 2016]

No Star Wars film should get a 5, but that's what I give this.

The plot is almost impossible to follow (yes you remember the action sequences, but tell me -- without googling -- what happens and why in the film. Didn't think you could).

The look of the film is absolutely dreadful. Shot on video, not film (normal now, but one of the first to do this at the time) it is lit like a wedding video.

There is so, so much talking that is unbearable I couldn't put myself through watching it again. And the ending fight in the arena has certainly not aged well.

The chemistry between Portman and Christensen is pretty much non-existent.

Am I being overly negative? I really don't think so. Avoid unless you're in prison and there's nothing else on. Even then, take a moment to consider your decision carefully.

The VVitch: A New-England Folktale (2015)

this is it, horror fans

[9/10 · 24 October 2016]

This is it, horror fans (and by that I don't mean the teenage gore hounds or the jump scare fanatics). I mean lovers of true horror.

To begin, THE WITCH is a slow boil. What does that mean? It means those looking for scares within the first minute, even the first twenty minutes, should go elsewhere.

And when the horror does encroach, it is GRADUALLY, like something slowly being injected into you. You become uneasy to a greater and greater degree.

The slow boil approach helps us feel for this family who, day by day, are being ravaged by hunger. The Mother, Father and Kids, including the young woman who is basically the main character.

A member of the family goes missing and how the family reacts tells us so much about them and their time.

The lighting, the music, the editing, the sound design...all of it are gorgeous. The ending kept me thinking. And thinking.

I can't think of a more apt way for this movie to have ended.

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

fascinating and rewatchable

[9/10 · 23 October 2016]

Love that the film's title basically tells you what you're in for.

Through present day and flashback, we are told why this woman is after Bill, who Bill is and how she has trained herself to undergo this quest.

It's use of color, editing, location and music--all utilized perfectly--are embedded into the film's DNA.

Tarantino's means of getting us there is hard to turn away from. The film is bold, painful, uncomfortable, stylish and fun all at the same time.

The end result is that QT uses his large bag of tricks to strengthen our resolve at seeing this through to the end.

This film actually delivers on the trailer.

X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

meh rubbish

[4/10 · 9 October 2016]

There's nothing in this movie that wasn't shot in a studio.

The entire movie seems to be green screen, which distances the viewer, alienating them to the stakes of the story. Every thing is diminished because I couldn't stop concentrating on the rather poor green screen.

The plot was very hard to follow, in so far as none of it seeming important or something that I should be paying attention to.

But the largest complaint is the fact that nothing looks real. I guess if you surround yourself with CGI all day, that you forget what looks real and what doesn't? This doesn't.

Poor effects, lack of direction (could have been directed by anyone) and a lack of compelling plot.

The Conjuring 2 (2016)

kinda meh really

[5/10 · 24 September 2016]

I may be the only one here with this viewpoint, but I did not care for it one bit. It's got lots of style, for sure, but it's nothing more than a hodge podge of styles lifted from other movies and then failing to do anything unique with the lot of them.

I did like the first one much more, it felt realer compared to this. They took the bigger is better route on this one, every set piece, every scare feels manufactured by virtue of being over the top with effects which to be sure, would have benefited by having taken down a notch. Kind of reaching a bit with the kid audience. I've them what they want, but not everyone wants TWICE THE THRILLS, want more innovation and genuine horror.

Star Trek Beyond (2016)

Was impressed overall

[8/10 · 19 August 2016]

Frankly, after Into the woods" or "into the darkness "or whatever it's called, this is a suitable, if not impressive step up.

I see everywhere, reviews from Star Trek devotees, upset with too much action, not enough story. I get it, really, but you cannot have a movie, these days, like they propose, made on such a budget, without action.

Always had a meh (overall perception) to Star Trek. It's no Star Wars, but I still recognize its unique characters and plots Karl Urban, great, as always.

Okay, so if you're not a devote who gets upset a detail from the series that's 40 years old isn't consistent, I think you'll like it. Good cast.

Suicide Squad (2016)

problems, but overall enjoyed it

[7/10 · 8 August 2016]

Y'know I didn't hate this like everyone in the world seems to. The characters were colorful, big. I guess it's a tough task to get them all equal screen time. My suggestion would have been to cut back on the members. Problem solved.

It doesn't quite have the fun of the trailer, which can happen when someone not involved with film cuts something that may not represent the film.

Harley Quinn obviously a stand out, but the BIG ONE for me, was seeing Batman, albeit briefly. Just enough to tantalize. Wetted my appetite for his solo film which can't come soon enough.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

enjoyed the darkness...prefer this over Marvel's sunshine and rainbows

[8/10 · 26 March 2016]

BVS starts where MOS left off, showing it from Bruce Wayne's perspective. The movie goes back and forth between his and Clark Kent's point of view to positive effect.

Lex Luthor is played by Jessie Eisenberg. Although no Gene Hackman, I enjoyed his portrayal. Reminded me of an evil Mark Zuckerberg.

Gal Gadot as Wonderwoman - everyone in audience liked her. Her musical theme was good.

Ben and Henry both did well, as did Amy Adams.

Maybe a bit of editing overall? In other words, I could see the scenes that maybe shouldn't be in film.

There's very little I didn't like, with exception to the final battle, which looks largely created on a computer.

Final impression - I will definitely look forward to Justice League.

Tomorrowland (2015)

I wanted to see this...why? read the review and find out

[7/10 · 14 June 2015]

Someone somewhere had said that Tomorrow Land was the only large blockbuster-ish movie out this summer that wasn't a remake, a reboot or a sequel.

And as the trailer looked reasonably good, we checked it out.

I liked most of it. Female lead. Spunk. Good effects. Good villain.

Two things I wondered: could it have been 15 minutes shorter and had that much more POP to it? I think so, yes. Doing this would have crammed the action into a smaller time frame and upped the excitement factor.

Secondly, though I followed the story, I don't see how any kid under 10 could do that same. Really. Not that it should be dummed down, just maybe mess with it long enough that there's a simpler way to explain the plot machinations.

Otherwise, I liked it. Sadly, because it's not doing very well at B.O. ,that could doom other films like this from coming out. And that would be a shame.

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Very good, not fantastic, but very good.

[7/10 · 14 May 2015]

Alright, this held my attention through the whole film. I liked the quiet parts more than the noisy ones, actually.

The cast is great, Wedon gives them quipy dialogue throughout. The revelations of the characters (things we didn't know about some of them prior to this installment) were I thought its biggest strength.

Won't reveal any of them here, but suffice to say, sometimes it's nice to see under the armor, if you take my meaning.

I liked it, but what kept me from loving it? Probably the fact that they're essentially going after another big baddie and his countless minions, who are easily dispatched, as they were in the first Avengers. I had hoped the threat would spin what we've seen on its back, but alas.

Under the Skin (I) (2013)

My favourite movie of 2014

[10/10 · 14 May 2015]

Note that I don't say the best movie, I say my favorite movie. This will not be to the majority of audiences taste, not by a long shot.

It's not quick moving, it's not packed with action, there's little violence, none of that.

What it does have, however, is a startling good concept, beautiful execution, a wonderful score and a great performance by Scarlett.

I've read people saying they had no idea of what it's about. To me it is simple, it is an alien trying to adapt to the humankind around her. In a nutshell, that's it.

I will remember this movie for a long, long time.

Interstellar (2014)

Evocative and consuming

[9/10 · 16 December 2014]

I had the pleasure of seeing this in IMAX and it is an immersive experience. Interstellar is a long one, but it never seemed that way to me.

There is science, yes, but Nolan connects it with humanity (a father's desire to see his family again) to such a degree that the viewer remains hooked, whether or not they fully grasp the science behind it (speaking for myself, at least). The score will remain with me. It is unique.

I've read that some people find the film to "cold", but as mentioned above, the themes of family acted as a countermeasure to me and had me hooked on an emotional level.

Cast, very good, direction, well above average. The concept itself and the tackling of such a vast subject? Bold and unforgettable.

In Fear (I) (2013)

if only script were as tight as technical...

[7/10 · 19 October 2014]

This is a well above average suspense thriller. The director clearly knows how to build tension and to keep it alive with camera, editing and sound (particularly score).

The pace of the beginning is almost torturous (in a good way) in terms of building to the bad events that we know will soon happen.

The cast, though sparse, is excellent. The close up photography of eye balls seems very fitting.

Sadly, the only thing missing is the pay off. The build up, great as it is, sets up an explanation that is sorrily not there. The downside of setting something up that's really evocative is that the expectation rises...I was hoping they'd deliver, but the explanation as to what is behind the scares is unbelievable and contrived.

Still, above average for sure.